Rol over at Sunset over Slawit recently posted his own response to Empire Magazine’s Top 50 TV shows of all time. Never being one to let a good idea go unstolen I thought I’d have a crack at it myself.
It is usually customary with lists like this to point out that the process of choosing the top ten of anything is purely subjective. One man’s West Wing is another man’s America’s Next Top Model. However, I was recently gratified to learn that in a shock move the United Nations has formally appointed me the official arbiter of quality and merit. So if you disagree with my choices here then under international law you are just plain wrong. You are more than welcome to state your case in the comments section of course; but don’t be surprised if you find a squad of UN peacekeepers breaking down your door in the middle of the night.
Because I lean towards the wordy, and am keen to get as many posts out of the concept as possible, I’m going to split the list up into a few sections. So here, for your delight and delectation, are the fist two entries in my Top Ten TV Shows of All Time:
10: Quantum Leap
Quantum leap came along during a particularly difficult point in my childhood when I felt badly bullied and friendless. It provided me with a priceless feeling of escapism that I’ll always be thankful for.
But even if I didn’t have that emotional attachment to the show it would probably still make the list. Great acting and high production values combined with a premies that encouraged the writers to cast their nets widely means that Quantum Leap still stands up today. Sure it could be a little preachy at times, but that’s not always a bad thing.
Scott Bakula was good as Sam, but it was Dean Stockwell as Al that really shone. Such is my love for him that as soon as Stockwell turned up in Battlestar Galactica I found it hard not to start routing for the Cylons. The unseen presence of Ziggy the computer was also pretty cool, and I’ve often thought the sound it made as Al whacked it would make a rather nifty phone ringtone.
As is often the case with programs I like, my interest in it waned after two or three seasons. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen the fifth series, and pretty much missed the whole “evil leaper” plot arc. It saddens me thought that it all ended with the news that Sam never made it home, and I think for that reason I’ve avoided watching it. That is the danger with making emotional investments in fictional characters, sometimes the creators betray you (Oh Blue Beetle, I miss you so).
9: Batman: The Animated Series
With stunning film-noir like artwork and intelligent and daring storylines, Batman: The Animated Adventures paved the way for an entire stable of DC comics superhero cartoons.
The headline “Comics Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore” is a bit of a cliché in the geeky world, but these cartoons aren’t just for kids either. The writers, actors, and artists had a real commitment to quality that shines through in every frame.
Batman has always been my favorite of all the superheros, and The Animated Adventures stay true to everything I love about the character. The grim determination, the steadfast moral code, the outlandish villains and the strong supporting cast. But the show wasn’t afraid to mix it up a little bit. Villans were reinvented, continuity was tinkered with, and new characters were created (perhaps most significantly Harley Quinn).
I once had every single episode of the show on DVD, as well as a big pile of Animated Adventures comics. But I gave them away to a friend whose 12 year old son had a Batman fixation. I don’t regret my generosity, you have to pass these things on sometimes. His excitement at receiving them far outweighed my need to have them sitting in a corner somewhere. But I must admit sometimes I do get the odd craving for a bit of Dark Knight action. Fortunately I am keeping myself sated by making my way through the Teen Titans episodes on surfthechannel.com
Opening credits
Batman: The Animated Series Theme
Quantum Leap Theme
[Back to the cover]
Related posts:
Not so sure either of those would have made my list. In fact, had you asked me to just name 100 shows I doubt either would have even come to mind—but that’s why I wasn’t appointed The Official Arbiter of Quality and Merit. And I’m not worried about the peacekeepers–I don’t sleep, bring em!
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Virgin Ears
Dean Stockwell totally made Quantum Leap for me too… I refuse to believe that Sam nevber made it home. I think he did and just decided to fool everyone into thinking he was really a farmer from Iowa, 1965 who was destined to die in a freak train/cow/cheese sandwich event. He then escaped with his body and became a farmer in Iowa – who kept only sheep… just to make sure.
But that could be just because I hate unhappy endings.
Bec’s last blog post..Roaring 20s
I’m surprised you gave up on QL before season 5 – that contained some of the best episodes. The last one was a real heartstring tugger.
Rol’s last blog post..Six word meme-oir
I had a smart ass comment all prepared.
But.. I just can’t. I have to admit.
I LOVE QUANTUM LEAP!!!
Miss Britt’s last blog post..All roads lead to Karaoke
I have always loved shows like Quantum Leap and Sliders because of all of the possibilities.
Avitable’s last blog post..The Sound of One Hand Fapping
While researching aspects of fan fiction for my degree dissertation, I read about the fan reaction to Linda Hamilton’s character being killed off in “Beauty and the Beast” -
apparently, one fan fiction response had Sam leap into Vincent’s (I think that was the beasty-dude’s name) body so he could change the series plotline and save his beloved…
John’s last blog post..Appreciation looks very much like a giraffe
I can’t do sci-fi, I have no imagination.
Although I COULD do X-Files. Well, Scully.
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..Should I be worried…
I don’t know Quantum Leap..but Batman sure makes it to mý top 50 list, not to the top 10 though.
Un peacekeepers..tsss yeah right and they would try and drag me to The Hague into the international court..don’t think so!
Arjan’s last blog post..Yahtzee gaming reviewer
I love both of those shows. Love them.
I’m a sucker for SciFi and super heroes though.
CamiKaos’s last blog post..give me ice cream or give me…
Two excellent choices! When it was on, no one else I knew was watching Batman: The Animated Series. I’m glad to hear other people liked it too!!
Donna’s last blog post..Night Gallery
I can’t believe you picked the animated series over the live action 60′s version with the delectable Adam West ;-)
Kapow!!
QL- Love Dean Stockwell, Now he is on Battlestar!! YEAH!!
Batman- The Joker! Makes the show for me!!
:)
Can’t wait for the rest!!
:P
Jeff S’s last blog post..A MUST read post!
i loved Quantum Leap, and the ending really was very very sad.
Rather sadly ( in a geeky sort of way ) during the opening credits myself and my girlfriend at the time used to pretend to ‘leap’ with Sam, which mainly consisted of standing in a star jump stylie and pulling a quizzical face…. oh how we laughed at the time :)
freiya’s last blog post..the sea on sunday
I have to admit to a certain fondness for Quantum Leap. Could there be a movie in the future possibly? I hope so.
Chris’s last blog post..Free Movie Rentals Online
I loved Quantum Leap. I only saw a glimpse of the Batman Cartoon but it looked wicked. We love a bit of sci fi and a bit of gothic heroism in Chez Beaufoix. Unfortunately, we have a 3 and 7 year old, so what we love is often very different to what we see, which is mostly Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and High School Musical. Bugger.
Jo Beaufoix’s last blog post..Mr B and B Movie do London